Lifestyle

Three important organizations have acknowledged Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) for its noteworthy contributions to the tourism and housing development industries. The business was honored by the City Government of Davao’s PASIDUNGOG: Garbo sa Dabaw 2025 awards, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and the Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report (StAR) Awards.

Recognized for Excellence in Housing and Community Development

Alsons Dev receives multiple awards from BPI for its strong performance in housing loan takeouts with (L–R): BPI VP and Product and Channels Division Head Noreene Cayco, Alsons Dev Director Marco Alcantara, Alsons Dev Finance Officer Jocelyn Celeste, Sr. Billing & Collection Assistant Glemaric Solmayor, Sr. Liaison Processor Aldrin Calibo, Jr. Liaison Processor Porferio Saludes Jr., BPI VP and Retail Lending and Bancassurance Group Head Dexter Lloyd Cuajotor, and BPI VP and Retail Mortgage Division Head Bernadette Ocampo.

At the BPI Awards held on March 18, 2025, at the National Museum of Natural History, Alsons Dev received multiple distinctions for its housing loan performance—primarily driven by its mid-cost housing brand Nurtura. The company was named the Top 4 Local Developer in Title Delivery and Top 7 Local Developer in Production, as well as top recognitions for two new categories: Top Local Developer in Loan Portfolio Quality and Top Local Developer in Market Share.

Having been a consistent awardee at the BPI Awards since 2020, these new honors further highlight the company’s dedication to customer-centric service and commitment to compliance and operational excellence in housing delivery.

The Pag-IBIG StAR Awards recognize top-performing employers, developers, and collection partners in Mindanao for the second half of 2024. Representing Alsons Dev on stage are Jr. Liaison Assistant Crisbert Mating (fourth from left), Legal Management Sr. Supervisor Julie Sarah Cariño (fifth from left), Finance Officer Jocelyn Celeste (sixth from left), Legal Management Manager Gloria Concepcion (center), Sr. Finance Supervisor Evangelica Albaera (fifth from right), and Jr. Legal Management Assistant Lienard Tacdol (fourth from right)

Complementing its private-sector distinction, Alsons Dev was also honored by a national government entity. On March 14, at the Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report (Pag-IBIG StAR) Awards held at SMX Convention Center Davao, the company received the Special Award for the Highest Number of Socialized Units Taken Out in the Mindanao region. This recognition was driven by Molave Homes, its socialized housing project in Alabel, Sarangani. The award affirms Alsons Dev’s support for accessible homeownership and its strong coordination with Pag-IBIG Fund in serving the housing needs of Filipinos.

“These recognitions from both private and government institutions reinforce our purpose: to make quality housing more accessible to Filipino families through well-planned communities, reliable service, and a deep commitment to our core values of excellence and customer-centricity. We are grateful for the trust of our partners and proud of the teams that consistently embody these values to deliver outstanding results,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev.

Pasidungog 2025: Garbo sa Dabaw, a highlight of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, recognizes 140 individuals and organizations for their contributions across various sectors. Receiving the award on behalf of Poblacion Market Central are Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel Dominguez and AVP for Business Development & Operations Jolla Soriaga

Rounding out the honors, Alsons Dev was recognized at the Pasidungog 2025: Garbo sa Dabaw awarding ceremony on March 13. Poblacion Market Central was awarded under the Tourism category for its role in promoting Mindanaoan heritage and supporting local enterprises.

“We take pride in creating spaces that celebrate Mindanaoan heritage while fostering vibrant communities. This recognition reaffirms our mission to support local enterprises and contribute to Davao City’s sustainable growth,” Miguel Dominguez added.

A Testament to Alsons Dev’s Commitment to Inclusive Growth

Together, the BPI, Pag-IBIG Fund, and City Government of Davao awards highlight Alsons Dev’s wide-ranging accomplishments, which range from promoting local economic development to increasing access to high-quality housing. Alsons Dev, a domestic developer, is dedicated to building communities that are well-planned and beneficial to families and the places in which they reside.

Go to https://alsonsdev.com to learn more about Alsons Dev and its latest developments.

Left to right, from top to bottom: Perpilili Vivienne Tiongson, Head of Operations, Lopez Group Foundation; Roniño Gibe, Watershed Management Officer, Energy Development Corporation; Sebastian C. Quiniones, League of Corporate Foundations Advisory Council and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation; Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director, Henry Sy Foundation, Inc.; Philip Francisco Dy, Trustee, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Vice President, Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; Melody del Rosario, President, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc.; Austere Panadero, League of Corporate Foundations Trustee and President and Executive Director, Zuellig Family Foundation, Inc.; Christian Tandoy, Ronald McDonald House of Charities Philippines; Ramon Derige, Treasurer, League of Corporate Foundations, and Executive Director, SEAOIL Foundation; Chito Sobrepeña, League of Corporate Foundations Advisory Council and Executive Director of Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; Carmina Marquez, Executive Director, BPI Foundation; Juvylyn Reniva, Chair of League of Corporate Foundations Enterprise Development Committee and Associate Director, BPI Foundation; Carmen Linda Atayde, Executive Director for Education Programs, SM Foundation; Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Jonathan Batangan, Executive Director, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc.; and, Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) should be incorporated into business plans and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, according to the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF). LCF organizes the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo to facilitate this change by giving business executives a forum to network, develop, and promote sustainable growth.

I’m truly excited about this conference, as it presents a valuable opportunity to further empower the business sector in delivering more impactful and socially responsive services to its clients.

The Expo will be held from July 1 to 2 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, while the Conference will be held from July 1 to 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. With the subject “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” it emphasizes how important it is for companies to incorporate DEI into their core business plans in order to make sure that CSR activities serve as a catalyst for sustainability, shared prosperity, and systemic change.

“Integrating DEI into business strategies is not only about corporate responsibility,” said Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc. “Businesses that prioritize DEI do more than adapt, they lead. By embedding DEI into their core strategies, they unlock new opportunities, drive meaningful change, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. This includes intentional efforts to ensure the inclusion of under-represented groups, particularly women, persons who are differently abled, senior citizens, and indigenous people and people of various faiths and beliefs, and others.”

McKinsey & Company emphasizes that DEI should go beyond representation and be embedded in a purpose-driven strategy to drive inclusive leadership, innovation, and long-term success. A Boston Consulting Group study found that 43% of Southeast Asian companies, including those in the Philippines, now have diversity programs which shows an increase from 36% in 2020, reflecting growing regional commitment.

Attendees of the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo can look forward to thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights on integrating DEI into both CSR initiatives and overall business operations.

Recognizing Outstanding CSR Initiatives

As part of LCF’s commitment to elevating CSR excellence, the 2025 Guild Awards will honor outstanding initiatives of its members that have significantly impacted communities. These awards will be presented during the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, highlighting best practices in corporate social responsibility.

Additionally, the Medal of Recognition will celebrate the impactful interventions of non-LCF members. This special award acknowledges businesses and corporate foundations that have made a difference across seven thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Disaster Resilience, Education, Environment, Enterprise Development, Financial Inclusion, and Health.

The Expo will showcase CSR innovations that highlight how the tight integration of DEI into core organizational and business strategies has brought about change for the better for the communities they work with, providing a space for businesses, NGOs, academe, youth groups, and government agencies to engage and collaborate.

LCF will also highlight key milestones of its flagship effort called ”LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment” or LIFE at the Expo. LIFE combines nutrition support, livelihood programs, and local capacity-building to combat child malnutrition. Through targeted interventions, LCF aims to reduce stunting among Filipino children.

In line with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), LIFE takes a province-by-province approach, starting with Basilan, where it is working alongside the provincial government and key stakeholders.

Left to right: Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.; and, Jonathan Batangan, Executive Director, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.

The 2025 CSR Conference and Expo is co-presented by Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. and co-organized with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Foundation, Inc., and The SM, Henry Sy, and Felicidad T. Sy Foundations, Inc. It is also made possible through the support of BPI Foundation, Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., and Vivant Foundation, Inc., with special thanks to Energy Development Corporation, Inc., Lopez Group Foundation, Inc., and Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc. LCF also thanks BDO Foundation, Inc., and Citizen of the World Philippines Foundation, Inc. and acknowledges Ayala Foundation, Inc., Ronald McDonald House Charities, Security Bank Foundation, Inc., Unilab Foundation, Inc., and Zuellig Family Foundation, Inc. for their support. These and other partners help foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on sustainability and inclusivity.

Enhancing CSR Practice for an Equitable Future

In order to make a lasting impact, LCF encourages companies to take initiative, reconsider their CSR plans, and support DEI-driven growth through the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo. Garcia went on to say, “LCF remains dedicated to encouraging responsible CSR, assisting members and businesses in embracing DEI as a crucial driver of sustainable development in our nation.”

The Philippines’ premier network for supporting governance-driven, social, and environmental projects is LCF, which is made up of business and family foundations that operate and award grants.

• As traditional pathways for migration are evolving, more Filipinos are seeking work and study opportunities beyond the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
• To help them navigate the migration shift, the British Council, a globally recognised provider of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), equips candidates with the support and resources needed to gain internationally recognised qualifications for work, study, and living abroad.
• With the British Council IELTS, Filipino students and professionals can expand their horizons in emerging destinations like Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, and Spain.

Popular Filipino migration destinations, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, are updating their visa and international student regulations in response to recent changes in the global economy, creating chances in new countries. In 2025, the British Council, a widely reputable and acknowledged supplier of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), offers Filipinos individualized assistance to help them obtain globally recognized credentials and investigate new opportunities for employment, education, and living overseas.

Filipino emigrants, who have historically been lured to the “big four” countries—the US, UK, Canada, and Australia—now face a changing landscape. Australia is taking steps to limit the number of overseas students it accepts, while the United States has suspended residence applications due to immigration restrictions. In the meantime, the UK is tightening regulations on student visa rules, and Canada is reducing its programs for temporary foreign worker programs.

To help Filipinos navigate the changing migration landscape, the British Council, the organization that co-jointly runs the IELTS, provides internationally recognised credentials that open doors to a wide range of opportunities worldwide. Accepted by over 12,500 organisations across 140 countries, the British Council provides essential resources and personalised support needed to help Filipinos succeed in the IELTS exam, preparing them for success not only in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, but also in emerging destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Where Filipinos are Headed in 2025
Several countries are now eager to attract global talent, creating new opportunities for Filipino students and professionals. Here are some of the rising destinations for 2025:

New Zealand

New Zealand, known for its thriving agriculture, healthcare, construction, and engineering sectors, is also becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Filipino workers. The country recently overhauled its Accredited Employer Work Visa regulations to make it easier for skilled foreign workers to migrate. These changes include removing restrictions on middle-income jobs, reducing experience requirements from three to two years, and introducing new seasonal worker visas.

Germany

Germany, well-renowned for its expertise in engineering, healthcare, and technology, has become a top destination for Filipino students and professionals. To strengthen its workforce, the country introduced major immigration reforms through the Skilled Labor Immigration Act, a new points-based system which evaluates applicants based on salary, educational level, and German language proficiency, making it easier to enter the country even without a job offer. The country also supports foreign students with a one year opportunity visa, allowing them to gain work experience and improve their chances of securing long-term employment.

“Moving here was a big step, but its world-class education, strong job market, and vibrant culture made it all worth it,” recounts Jay Paul Ely Tena, the 2023 IELTS Prize Winner, who recently pursued his graduate studies in the University of Erfurt. “Adjusting to the language and lifestyle had its challenges, but my IELTS preparation with the British Council gave me the confidence to communicate effectively, both in my studies and daily life,” he adds.

Spain

Spain, a global hub for education and business, is strengthening its immigration policies to boost its workforce. Foreign students pursuing higher education can receive automatic work authorization and can remain in Spain for up to 24 months post-graduation to seek employment or start a business. The country has also removed the three-year residency requirement for switching from a student to a work visa, making it easier for graduates to enter the workforce. Additionally, Spain plans to legalize 300,000 undocumented immigrants annually, granting them work and residence permits.

“Living in Spain has been an incredible experience—the welcoming culture, the balance between work and personal life, and the accessibility of everything made it feel like home,” shares Jessica Badua, the 2022 IELTS Prize winner, who earned her master’s degree at the Universidad de Cádiz. “The British Council IELTS was instrumental in my journey, not only helping me gain admission to my master’s program but also opening doors for scholarships and opportunities that made my transition as an international student smoother and much more rewarding.”

Singapore

Singapore remains a top choice for Filipino professionals. The country’s Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass, part of the city-state’s broader strategy to attract top global talent, allows skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to live and work there for five years without employer restrictions. The country has also simplified pathways for international students to obtain permanent residency, allowing graduates to transition smoothly into the workforce.

“Many Filipinos may feel uncertain about their options due to the changing migration landscape,” says Zoe Zhang, Regional Director for Exams at the British Council. “But the British Council ensures that our candidates have the tools and qualifications they need to prepare for the IELTS and help them succeed on the global stage, even outside the ‘Big 4.’”

Even though migration patterns are constantly changing, the British Council IELTS is dedicated to giving Filipino professionals and students the tools and assistance they need to follow their aspirations of working, studying, and living overseas so they can create a bright future wherever they go.

Reserve your spot for the IELTS exam here: https://bit.ly/4jJrHud. Visit the IELTS British Council website or Facebook page to learn more about the British Council.